LEBANON: REQUEST ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR NBPP

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIRUT 000297 SIPDIS SIPDIS NSC FOR ABRAMS/SINGH/GAVITO/HARDING E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/26/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL UNSC PTER SY IS LE SUBJECT: LEBANON: REQUEST ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR NBPP SECURE COMMUNICATIONS Classified By: Charge Michele J. Sison for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 8. Summary -------------- ¶2. (C) On February 22, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Signals Command requested additional funding (approximately USD 120K) to augment the USG-donated secure communications equipment for the German-led Northern Border Pilot Program (NBPP). This additional request will provide key operational items not included in the LAF's original 2007 request for equipment. The head of the German Program Implementation Unit has reiterated the need to have all equipment in place by March 31. He stated that other donors cannot (or will not) consider contributions to cover this expense unless the USG states, in writing, that it cannot meet this request. He and LAF representatives have asked for a formal USG response to this request for additional funds by March 6, 2008. End Summary. Additional Equipment Needed -------------- ¶3. (C) Unfortunately, the 2007 LAF request for secure communications equipment did not include several key items needed for maximum operational effectiveness. The complete list of requested equipment includes: i. Power converters (12V to 24VDC) for installation in GMC-Envoy and Nissan pick-up vehicles. Quantity Required - 100 Approx. Price Per Unit - USD 1,000 Approx. Total Price - USD 100,000 Note: The LAF considers this item to be their highest priority. End Note. ii. Over-voltage coaxial surge arrestors for base stations and retransmission stations Quantity Required - 82 Approx. Price Per Unit - USD 120 Approx. Total Price - USD 9,840 Procurement - Can be found on the local market iii. Tripods to install antennas for base stations and retransmission stations Quantity Required - 82 Approx. Price Per Unit - USD 35 Approx. Total Price - USD 2,870 Procurement - Can be found on the local market iv. Additional batteries for handheld radios to prevent communications gaps during battery recharging Quantity Required - 100 Approx. Price Per Unit - USD 60 Approx. Total Price - USD 6,000 Procurement - Should come from radio supplier, Datron ¶4. (C) The approximate total cost for these items USD 118,710. Post has requested a total of USD 120,000 to help offset shipping costs if the items are sent from the U.S. Considering Funding Sources -------------- ¶5. (C) Post's ODC reps have stressed that it is difficult to use Section 1206 funds to pay for this additional expense. FY2007 funds have been closed and the total budget request for Lebanon has not yet been approved for FY2008. ¶6. (C) Post understands that there may be some flexibility in the INL funds currently being implemented in Lebanon. However, INL funds are typically be used in conjunction with the Internal Security Forces (ISF) and may not be given to the LAF. The NBPP is, in fact, an inter-agency program which includes both the ISF and LAF. However, all previous communications equipment was given directly to the LAF Signals Command, in accordance with DoD's Section 1206 funding protocols. Post would like to encourage the LAF Signals Command to continue "ownership" of this program in its entirety and would prefer funds which can be given directly to the LAF. BEIRUT 00000297 002 OF 002 ¶7. (C) However, speed is also an important considerations for post. The ideal funding solution would be one that allows post to directly purchase locally available products for immediate delivery to the LAF in order to meet the March 31 deadline. Action Request -------------- ¶8. (C) Post asks for feedback on the availability of USG funding to meet this request no later than March 5. Should funding this request in a timely manner prove difficult, post requests permission to convey this to the LAF and the German Project Implementation Unit in writing. SISON